Dunfermline Children’s Gala

Scotland’s “largest and oldest” gala takes place on Saturday, 23^rd June. The annual Dunfermline Children’s Gala, which began in 1902, can be expected to draw crowds of around 15,000 people to watch over 3,000 primary school children parade through the city centre.

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker said: “Over the years, the Dunfermline Gala has grown in popularity and is once again flourishing, thanks to the huge efforts of organisers, volunteers and sponsors.

“It’s great to see the Gala so revived and vibrant. It is such an important part of Dunfermline’s culture. We can expect it to draw large numbers into town for the parade and to watch the entertainment.”

The parade begins on East Port at 11:00 hours and will continue along the High Street to Pittencrieff Park (known locally as ‘The Glen’), where the children will play games.

After lunch, the afternoon entertainment will run from approximately 13:00 to 15:00 hours. Typically, it includes music, dancing, acrobatic displays, craft workshops and a fun fair.

Past years have also seen such entertainment as a giant caterpillar, Chinese dragons, juggling unicyclists, stilt-walkers and pirates. This year will have an Olympics theme, billed as “the Galympics”

The gala is, itself, an Olympian effort, with a Committee of parent representatives from across 21 schools beginning preparations in August of the prior year. The Vine Church organises hats, streamers, water and crisps for all of the children, while the Round Table distributes 4,000 balloons before the parade.